Birding Areas

Birding areas are plentiful in Chicago parks, and they include North Park Village Nature Center, Lincoln Park, Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary and Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary to name a few. These areas have a great variety of native plants that provide food and shelter for many birds. Grab your binoculars in spring and fall, which is peak migratory season and best time to see the greatest variety of birds as they pass through Chicago. In 2007, Chicago's lakefront was designated by the National Audobon Society as an Important Birding Area (IBA). IBA designees provide habitat essential for breeding, feeding, wintering or migration of one or more species of birds.

The Chicago Park District is the largest municipal park manager in the nation and owner of more than 8,100 acres of green space. We invite you to take in a concert or a movie at one of our 580 parks, to expand your horizons by registering for one of our thousands of programs offered throughout our 260 field houses, to get a great workout indoors at one of our state-of-the-art fitness centers, or outdoors along Lake Michigan’s 26 miles of pristine lakefront, or enjoy nature with a peaceful visit.